This information is for importers, manufacturers and retailers (including online retailers) of household electrical appliances and accessories.
Who is the Responsible Supplier?
In Tasmania any person or business that supplies electrical appliances or equipment is considered a:
- supplier
- seller or
- responsible supplier.
A person or business who is the first supplier in Australia is the Responsible Supplier when they manufacture or import electrical equipment or appliances. However the person who sells the product to the end user is the Supplier.
In Tasmania a person or business becomes a Subsequent Supplier when they purchase electrical equipment or appliances for re-sale from a registered Responsible Supplier who can be a wholesaler, importer or manufacturer in another state, territory or New Zealand.
Examples of a supplier
- A retail business selling a single item, for example a phone charger
- An electrical contractor installing a ceiling fan that they have supplied
- A builder contracting to build a home and includes electrical equipment and appliances
- A rental company providing rental or lease of household appliances
- A landlord providing a rental property that includes household appliances.
All of these examples are considered suppliers of electrical equipment. In most cases, the manufacturers, importers or wholesalers meet the compliance requirements and are the Responsible Supplier.
Second/subsequent suppliers (not Responsible Suppliers)
By participating in the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS), second or subsequent suppliers of in-scope electrical equipment must:
- source equipment from a Responsible Supplier who is registered on the EESS Registration Database, and
- ensure Level 2 and Level 3 equipment is registered on the EESS Registration Database against the registered Responsible Supplier, and
- ensure equipment is marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) in accordance with requirements listed in:
- AS/NZS 4417.1 Regulatory compliance mark for electrical and electronic equipment Use of the mark and
- AS/NZS 4417.2 Regulatory compliance mark for electrical and electronic equipment Specific requirements for particular regulatory requirements
Examples of second/subsequent supplier of In-scope electrical equipment
- wholesaler
- retailer
- on-line sellers
- electrical contractors
Search the Australian Certification Database to see if your supplier is a registered responsible supplier.
The sale of electrical equipment and appliances is also subject to the requirements of the Electricity Industry Safety and Administration Act 1997
In Tasmania in-scope electrical equipment must meet the following three criteria before being offered for sale:
- Comply with the relevant standard
- Be approved
- Be marked to indicate that it is approved (the RCM)
It is illegal to sell non-compliant electrical products. Failure to comply with these requirements may be considered a breach of legislation that carries penalties.
In-scope electrical equipment requirements
LevelRequirement
Level 1- Meet minimum standards of electrical safety
- Responsible supplier must be registered at www.eess.gov.au
- Product must be marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark
Level 2- Responsible supplier must be registered at www.eess.gov.au
- Compliance folder must hold evidence of test reports demonstrating compliance to the relevant Australian standard/s. A Certificate of Suitability will meet this requirement.
- Equipment must be registered at www.eess.gov.au
- Product must be marked with the Regulatory
Level 3- Responsible supplier must be registered at www.eess.gov.au
- Product must comply to the relevant Australian Standards
- A Certificate of Conformity must be issued by an accredited test laboratory
- Equipment must be registered at www.eess.gov.au
- Product must be marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark
For electrical equipment that is not considered in-scope (such as commercial and industrial equipment), the following applies:
- The equipment must be safe and fit for purpose
- Installed equipment must comply with the relevant Australian standard
- The person conducting the business or undertaking must identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to risks to health and safety. To apply relevant Australian standard/s is strongly recommended.
Secondhand electrical equipment
Retailers including tip shops and antique stores who sell secondhand electrical articles must ensure that electrical articles have a label stating:
- the article certifying the electrical equipment has been tested by a competent person and found to be safe.
- the electrical article has not been tested to ensure it can be safely operated.
Download a copy of the Guide to meeting the secondhand electrical equipment requirements (PDF, 387.2 KB) which includes examples.
Recognised approval numbers in Australia
Regulations and Standards apply to all electrical equipment sold or offered for supply in Australia.
Certain types of equipment are classified as prescribed. Legislation defines prescribed equipment as being specified as Level 2 or Level 3 equipment in Australian/New Zealand Standard 4417.2. A summary of the list of prescribed equipment can be found in the In-scope electrical equipment definitions and risk levels for the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS). These pieces of equipment must go through a certification process which ensures the equipment is compliant to the relevant safety standards before being offered for supply in Australia.
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
Prescribed electrical products must have an RCM on the appliance OR an Australian approval number to show that the product has been certified.
It is an offence for the mark to appear on a product that does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).
This mark is currently recognised by all Australian states and territories.
Recognised approval numbers
State regulator Organisation name Approval number or mark
Tasmania
WorkSafe Tasmania
T<number>*
Victoria
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
ESV<number>
V<number>
New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
NSW<number>
Queensland
Electrical Safety Office (ESO)
ESO<number>
Q<number>
South Australia
Office of the Technical Regulator
S<number>
Electrical Equipment Safety System Approval mark
EESS Conformity Certification (CCS)
Queensland Electrical Safety Office (ESO)
NSW recognised external certification body Approval number or mark
International Testing and Certification Services Pty Ltd
A/<number>/EA
SAI Global Certification Services Pty Ltd
SAI TE EA
SAI SMK EA
SAI- -EA
SAA Approvals Pty Ltd
SAA <number> EA
Testing and Certification Australia
TCA <number> EA
UL International New Zealand Limited
U <number> EA
TUV Rheinland Australia Pty Ltd
TUV <number> EA
BSI Group (Australia and New Zealand) Pty Ltd
BSI-<number>-EA
Global Mark Pty Ltd
GMA-<number>-EA
Market Access (AUS) Pty Ltd trading as Certification Body Australia
CBA <number>
CBA-<number>-EA
Australian Safety Approval
ASA-<number>-EA
SGS Australia
SGS EA <number>
SGS <number> EA
The Australian Gas Association (AGA)
AGA <number> G EA
AGA <number> EA
Equipment approvals database (EESS)
Search the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database which registers responsible suppliers and equipment. Sellers of electrical equipment in Tasmania are responsible for making sure the responsible supplier is registered. Prescribed equipment must also be registered.
10 Factors To Consider When Selecting Kitchen Equipment
Selecting equipment for a commercial kitchen isn't an easy task. Although it's super fun and exciting, as you watch your business come to life through the different appliances and utensils you choose, it also requires a fair bit of planning and preparation.
If you’ve been wondering the ultimate factors to consider when choosing kitchen equipment, we’ve got you covered. From the type of kitchen equipment you need, to the amount of space you have all the way to whether buying or leasing equipment is the best option for you. Our team at Flexikitch has compiled a list of all the factors you need to consider when choosing kitchen equipment.
To nail your selection process, here are 10 pro tips brought to you by the crew at Flexikitch.
-
Kitchen space
One of the biggest factors is kitchen space. You can lease or buy the biggest, best equipment, but there'll be little point if your staff have no room to move in. Choose wisely when it comes to space!
-
Buying or leasing?
Buying and leasing kitchen equipment both come with their own perks. Buying saves you more money in the long run, while leasing comes with a lower upfront cost and other benefits too.
-
Appliance selection
Select only what you truly need when you first establish your kitchen. From there, you can expand and make adjustments as you see fit and as your business grows.
-
Brand and quality
Some brands of appliances and utensils are known for being better quality than others. Though cheap brands may cost less, they may be less reliable, which brings us to maintenance!
-
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repairs are an expected part of running a commercial kitchen. Take these into account when planning your budget.
-
Layout
The layout of your kitchen is one of the most important factors. Make sure you've planned your kitchen ergonomically before you go and select your appliances.
-
Energy efficiency
Energy costs are a big part of running a kitchen. Select energy-efficient appliances where appropriate.
-
Style
Kitchen style is super important, especially if it's visible for patrons. You want your kitchen style to match the atmosphere of the rest of the business, completing its look and feel.
-
Confirm the measurements
Check the measurements of the layout and the equipment you're selecting three times before pulling the trigger, so that you're totally sure that you won't run into any spacing problems.
-
Choose the best financier
And what's the missing piece of the puzzle? Where you choose to select your equipment! Flexikitch are Australia's most dedicated bunch of kitchen equipment financiers, helping you lease or buy equipment to start your business.
Whether you have a small commercial kitchen that needs to be completely fitted out with equipment, or you’re a business that is looking to upgrade your equipment and give your space a whole new feel – we have something for you at Flexikitch. With a range of equipment suitable for every establishment, you can rest assured that you are making the right choice when you choose Flexikitch for all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.
We have an incredibly broad range of products to choose from: everything from commercial ovens to blast chillers. Start the conversation around your business dreams with the team at Flexikitch and let them help you bring it all to life.